But everything is relative. A lot of friends with high hardware configuration are not considering which version of Windows 7 to choose, but a 32-bit or 64-bit Windows system. As we all know, the execution efficiency and hardware utilization of 64-bit operating systems are higher than those of 32-bit systems. The compatibility of 64-bit systems with 32-bit software and games is getting better and better. More and more software vendors are willing to launch. 64-bit version, so many users are willing to choose a 64-bit operating system. So, what is the difference between the two? Today, I will introduce you to the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 system.
Below, let us take a look at it:
#1、Which computers support 64-bit Windows 7?
Generally speaking, except for low-end CPUs that don't support AMD or Intel extensions, most of the computers that have been produced in the past three years are capable of running 64-bit Windows 7. For example, Intel Atom low-power CPUs and earlier Intel Intel Core CPUs (such as Core Duo instead of Core 2 Duo) do not support 64-bit Windows 7. If you are not sure which CPU is configured on your computer and if the CPU supports 64-bit, then you can use the free Intel processor identification tool to identify.
#2, how to identify whether external devices are compatible with 64-bit Windows 7?
Most Vista-compatible peripherals can work with 64-bit Windows 7, however, 64-bit is available for traditional hardware support It is indeed a blow. The best solution is to use a web search to view 64-bit device drivers to support 64-bit peripherals.
#3. Can users use 32-bit device drivers in a 64-bit version of Windows 7?
No, the device driver code can only run in the same address space as the Windows kernel. Therefore, the device driver must match the architecture of the kernel itself. Some manufacturers bundle 32-bit and 64-bit drivers in a separate installation package, which leads some users to think that 32-bit drivers can run on 64-bit Windows operating systems, but it is not.
However, although 32-bit drivers cannot support 64-bit Windows 7, 64-bit Windows 7 users can install 32-bit drivers in "Windows XP Mode" and on Windows XP virtual machines. Use 32-bit USB printers and other peripherals.
#4, Windows XP Mode" Can I run on 64-bit Windows 7?
Yes, 64-bit Windows 7 fully supports Windows XP mode, in fact, using virtual machine monitoring (VMM), similar to Windows virtual machine products to support "Windows XP mode" is the only way to use 32-bit device drivers under 64-bit Windows operating system. However, users should be aware that peripheral devices must be connected to the computer via a USB interface. Traditional hardware using a proprietary expansion card or dongle may not work with “Windows XP Mode.
#5, What is the Windows XP mode? How to get the "XP mode"?
The answer is very simple, "Windows XP mode" is actually running under the Windows 7 system environment “ Windows XP SP3” virtual machine. Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise users can be downloaded for free through the Microsoft Download Center.
More precisely, Windows XP mode is a 64-bit application that can create a stand-alone, local 64-bit process emulating a 32-bit PC environment (actually, a series of 64-bit services and device drivers).
#6, Can users run 32-bit Windows applications in a 64-bit Windows 7 environment?
Yes, almost all 32-bit Windows applications can run seamlessly on 64-bit Windows.
#7, when installing 32-bit applications in 64-bit Windows 7, why can't you see its registry entries?
64-bit Vista and Windows 7 have 64-bit to 32-bit conversion layer 64-bit Windows can independently register 32-bit applications and import them into the appropriate registry hive.
#8, Will you get the performance advantage by using 64-bit Windows 7?
It depends on the specific situation. If you are using a large file and application, you need to consume a lot of memory, then Using 64-bit Windows 7 will have a distinct advantage. This is because 64-bit Windows 7 can support physical RAM far beyond 32-bit Windows 7, and also supports application extension mode.
#9, Why does 64-bit Windows use more RAM than 32-bit Windows?
Any 64-bit operating system consumes far more memory than 32-bit Windows, depending on the 64-bit code. It's not surprising that 64-bit operating systems use larger internal structures and will take up more space (whether memory or hard drives).
#10, Is 64-bit Windows 7 a security advantage over 32-bit Windows 7?
Yes, many core security features require 64-bit support, such as data execution protection and patch protection. 64-bit Vista or Windows 7 will also provide users with digital signature protection for device drivers.
#11, Can users perform 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows upgrades?
No, at present, the Microsoft Windows upgrade process does not support migration between processor architectures. If users want to upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows, then they must perform a 64-bit Windows "Net Install".
In addition, the author wants to remind everyone that although some versions of 64-bit Windows 7 can provide "Windows XP mode" to solve backward compatibility problems, but "XP mode" is not a panacea.